Litigation management system and method

ABSTRACT

A computer-based user interface for accessing litigation information associated with at least one litigation case includes a home page. The home page includes a first plurality of user-selectable hyperlinks. Each hyperlink in the first plurality of hyperlinks identifies a category of litigation information. The interface also includes a plurality of web pages. Each web page is associated with one of the hyperlinks in the first plurality of hyperlinks. Each web page provides litigation information related to the category identified by the hyperlink associated with the web page. Each web page is displayed in response to selection of the hyperlink associated with the web page.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/691,098, filed Mar. 26, 2007, and entitled LITIGATION MANAGEMENTSYSTEM AND METHOD, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/028,060, filed Dec. 21, 2001, and entitled LITIGATIONMANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD, which is a Non-Provisional Utility patentapplication and claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/257,607, filed Dec. 22, 2000,entitled LITIGATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialthat is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

THE FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to information management systems, andmore particularly to a system and method for managing litigationinformation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently, it is common practice in the field of litigation to maintainlitigation documents, such as pleadings and correspondence, in folders,books, binders, and other similar paper-based organizational tools. Inlarge litigations, multiple binders are used to store each category oflitigation documents, and it becomes difficult and time-consuming tolocate particular documents. There are a few computer-based tools thatassist in the organization and storage of litigation documents, such as“Blaze” from Summation Legal Technologies, Inc., and “ProLaw” fromProLaw Software, Inc. Computer-based tools such as these typically storelitigation information in a database that must be queried by a user toobtain desired information. Queries may identify a date range, or adocument description, or similar identification data, and often resultin the return of multiple “hits”. The returned hits occasionallyidentify the desired information, but often also identify a great dealof irrelevant information. A user must typically enter multiple queriesand sort through irrelevant information before locating the desiredinformation.

It would be desirable for a litigation management system to provide aneasy-to-use interface that provides a logical relationship betweenlitigation information, and allows a user to quickly locate and viewdesired litigation information.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One form of the present invention provides a computer-based userinterface for accessing litigation information associated with at leastone litigation case. A home page includes a first plurality ofuser-selectable hyperlinks. Each hyperlink in the first plurality ofhyperlinks identifies a category of litigation information. Theinterface also includes a plurality of web pages. Each web page isassociated with one of the hyperlinks in the first plurality ofhyperlinks. Each web page provides litigation information related to thecategory identified by the hyperlink associated with the web page. Eachweb page is displayed in response to selection of the hyperlinkassociated with the web page.

In one embodiment, one of the categories identified by the hyperlinks iscontact information, and the web page associated with the hyperlink forcontact information includes contact information for opposing counsel,the court handling the litigation case, and clients.

In one embodiment, one of the categories identified by the hyperlinks isdocket information, and the web page associated with the hyperlink fordocket information includes a plurality of docket entries. Each docketentry includes a description of a litigation action and a due date forthe action. The web page associated with the hyperlink for docketinformation includes hyperlinks to electronic copies of litigationdocuments associated with docket entries.

In one embodiment, one of the categories identified by the hyperlinks iscorrespondence information, and the web page associated with thehyperlink for correspondence information includes a plurality ofcorrespondence entries. Each correspondence entry includes a descriptionof a correspondence and a date of the correspondence. The web pageassociated with the hyperlink for correspondence information includeshyperlinks to electronic copies of correspondence.

In one embodiment, one of the categories identified by the hyperlinks ispleadings information, and the web page associated with the hyperlinkfor pleadings information includes a plurality of pleadings entries.Each pleadings entry including a description of a pleading. Eachpleadings entry further includes a pleadings number, a date, and asource identifier identifying a source of the described pleading. Theweb page associated with the hyperlink for pleadings informationincludes hyperlinks to electronic copies of pleadings documents.

In one embodiment, one of the categories identified by the hyperlinks isrules information, and the web page associated with the hyperlink forrules information includes a plurality of hyperlinks to legalinformation sources relevant to the litigation case.

In one embodiment, one of the categories identified by the hyperlinks ispatent information, and the web page associated with the hyperlink forpatent information includes information regarding at least one patentinvolved in the litigation case. The web page associated with thehyperlink for patent information includes a hyperlink to an electroniccopy of the at least one patent, and a hyperlink to an electronic copyof a file history of the at least one patent.

In one embodiment, one of the categories identified by the hyperlinks isdiscovery information, and the web page associated with the hyperlinkfor discovery information includes a plurality of discovery entries.Each discovery entry includes a description of a discovery document. Thediscovery entries further include a date of service and a due date. Theweb page associated with the hyperlink for discovery informationincludes hyperlinks to electronic copies of discovery documents. Thediscovery entries are grouped into subcategories including plaintiffsdiscovery, defendant's discovery, and depositions.

In one embodiment, one of the categories identified by the hyperlinks isexpert information, and the web page associated with the hyperlink forexpert information includes information regarding experts used in thelitigation case. The web page associated with the hyperlink for expertinformation includes a plurality of hyperlinks to electronic copies ofdocuments related to experts. The plurality of hyperlinks to electroniccopies of documents related to experts includes hyperlinks to electroniccopies of expert reports and expert depositions.

In one embodiment, one of the categories identified by the hyperlinks iscourt orders, and the web page associated with the hyperlink for courtorders includes a plurality of court order entries. Each court orderentry includes a description of a court order. The court order entriesfurther include pleadings numbers and dates associated with the courtorders. The web page associated with the hyperlink for court ordersincludes hyperlinks to electronic copies of court orders.

In one embodiment, one of the categories identified by the hyperlinks istrial information, and the web page associated with the hyperlink fortrial information includes a plurality of hyperlinks to electroniccopies of documents to be submitted to a court for trial. The pluralityof hyperlinks to electronic copies of documents to be submitted to acourt for trial include hyperlinks to electronic copies of trial briefs,motions in limine, jury instructions, witness lists, and exhibit lists.The plurality of hyperlinks to electronic copies of documents to besubmitted to a court for trial further include hyperlinks to electroniccopies of designations of deposition testimony and offers of settlement.

In one embodiment, one of the categories identified by the hyperlinks ismotions, and the web page associated with the hyperlink for motionsincludes a plurality of descriptions of motions and a plurality ofhyperlinks to electronic copies of described motions.

In one embodiment, one of the categories identified by the hyperlinks iscopy information, and the web page associated with the hyperlink forcopy information allows a user to specify a list of individuals that areprovided a copy of a specified litigation document. The web pageassociated with the hyperlink for copy information allows a user tospecify a manner in which the specified litigation document is providedto each of the individuals in the specified list.

In one embodiment, one of the categories identified by the hyperlinks isclient information, and the web page associated with the hyperlink forclient information provides access to case budget information, conflictinformation and/or case objective information. The web page associatedwith the hyperlink for client information includes a plurality ofhyperlinks to client information.

In one embodiment, the user interface includes a search feature thatallows a user to specify a search for litigation information related tothe litigation case.

In one embodiment, the home page includes a status informationidentifier that identifies at least one litigation task that is due by aspecified date. In one embodiment, the status information identifier isincluded on each of the plurality of web pages.

In one embodiment, each of the plurality of web pages includes the firstplurality of user-selectable hyperlinks.

In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of web pages includeshyperlinks to electronic copies of litigation documents. The electroniccopies of litigation documents include electronic copies ofcorrespondence and pleadings. In one embodiment, the electronic copiesof litigation documents are stored on a plurality of computers. In oneembodiment, the plurality of computers include at least one localcomputer and at least one remote computer that is located offsite fromthe at least one local computer. In one embodiment, the at least oneremote computer includes a first remote computer located offsite fromthe at least on local computer in a first location, and a second remotecomputer located offsite from the at least one local computer in asecond location.

In one embodiment, the categories of litigation information identifiedby the first plurality of hyperlinks include at least one subcategorythat is logically related to one of the other categories.

In one embodiment, the computer-based user interface is storable on aportable computer-readable medium. In one embodiment, the computer-baseduser interface further comprises electronic copies of litigationdocuments referenced by the plurality of web pages.

In one embodiment, the computer-based user interface is stored on aCD-ROM.

In one embodiment, the computer-based user interface is stored on acorporate intranet.

In one embodiment, the home page includes a user-selectable hyperlinkfor executing an application program. In one embodiment, the applicationprogram is a document management system. In one embodiment, the documentmanagement system is Summation Blaze.

One form of the present invention provides a litigation managementsystem for managing and providing access to litigation informationstored on a computer network. The system includes a server computercoupled to the computer network for storing user interface information.The user interface information includes a primary page having aplurality of links to a plurality of secondary pages. The primary pageidentifies a plurality of categories and subcategories of litigationinformation. Each subcategory is logically related to at least one ofthe categories. The secondary pages provide litigation informationrelated to the identified categories and subcategories. A clientcomputer coupled to the computer network displays a user interface basedon user interface information received from the server computer. Theclient computer is configured to access the plurality of secondary pagesvia the user interface.

In one embodiment, one of the categories is pleadings information, andthe subcategories include discovery information, court orders, andmotions. The litigation information provided by the secondary pagesrelated to the subcategories of discovery information, court orders, andmotions is also provided by the secondary page related to the categoryof pleadings information.

In one embodiment, the plurality of categories and subcategories includeat least a subset of the following: Contact information, docketinformation, case information, correspondence information, pleadingsinformation, legal references information, discovery information, expertinformation, orders information, trial information, motions, and copyinformation.

In one embodiment, one of the plurality of categories is patentinformation.

In one embodiment, the primary page includes a status informationidentifier that identifies at least one litigation task that is due by aspecified date. In one embodiment, the status information identifier isincluded on each of the plurality of secondary pages.

In one embodiment, each of the plurality of secondary pages includes atleast a subset of the plurality of links.

In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of secondary pagesincludes links to electronic copies of litigation documents. In oneembodiment, the electronic copies of litigation documents are stored ona plurality of computers coupled to the computer network.

In one embodiment, the primary page includes a user-selectable hyperlinkfor executing an application program. In one embodiment, the applicationprogram is a document management system. In one embodiment, the documentmanagement system is Summation Blaze.

Another form of the present invention provides a method of managinglitigation information for at least one lawsuit. The method includesstoring litigation information for the lawsuit on a computer network.User interface data is stored on the computer network. A user interfaceis generated and displayed based on the stored user interface data. Theuser interface provides a plurality of links to the litigationinformation. Each of the plurality of links corresponds to one categoryof a plurality of categories of litigation information. At least one ofthe categories of litigation information is a subcategory of at leastone of the other categories of litigation information. Selection dataprovided by a user is received. The selection data identifies a firstlink in the plurality of links. Litigation information related to thecategory corresponding to the first link is displayed.

In one embodiment, the plurality of categories of litigation informationinclude at least a subset of the following: Contact information, docketinformation, case information, correspondence information, pleadingsinformation, legal references information, discovery information, expertinformation, orders information, trial information, motions, and copyinformation.

In one embodiment, the displayed litigation information includes atleast a subset of the plurality of links.

In one embodiment, the displayed litigation information includes linksto electronic copies of litigation documents related to the categorycorresponding to the first link.

In one embodiment, the litigation information for the lawsuit is storedon a plurality of computers coupled to the computer network.

In one embodiment, the user interface data is stored on a servercomputer coupled to the computer network and is accessible to clientcomputers via communication with the server computer.

In one embodiment, the user interface data is stored in a memory of atleast one client computer coupled to the computer network.

In one embodiment, the user interface data is stored on a CD-ROM of theat least one client computer.

Another form of the present invention provides a computer-readablemedium having computer-executable instructions for performing a methodof accessing litigation information for at least one lawsuit. The methodincludes generating a primary display screen including a plurality ofuser-selectable litigation categories. The plurality of user-selectablelitigation categories includes at least one user-selectable litigationsubcategory that is logically related to at least one of the otherlitigation categories. Category selection information from a useridentifying one of the user-selectable litigation categories isreceived. A secondary display screen including litigation informationrelated to the identified litigation category is generated. Thesecondary display screen includes user-selectable links to electroniccopies of litigation documents related to the identified litigationcategory.

In one embodiment, document selection information from a useridentifying one of the user-selectable links to electronic copies oflitigation documents is received. A display is generated of anelectronic copy of a litigation document corresponding to the identifiedlink.

In one embodiment, the plurality of user-selectable litigationcategories includes pleadings information, and the at least oneuser-selectable litigation subcategory includes discovery information.The litigation information related to the discovery informationsubcategory is a subset of the litigation information related to thepleadings category.

In one embodiment, the plurality of user-selectable litigationcategories includes pleadings information, and the at least oneuser-selectable litigation subcategory includes motions. The litigationinformation related to the motions subcategory is a subset of thelitigation information related to the pleadings category.

In one embodiment, the plurality of user-selectable litigationcategories includes pleadings information, and the at least oneuser-selectable litigation subcategory includes court orders. Thelitigation information related to the court orders subcategory is asubset of the litigation information related to the pleadings category.

Another form of the present invention provides a litigation managementsystem for managing and providing access to litigation informationstored on a computer network. At least one server computer coupled tothe computer network stores user interface information. The userinterface information includes a client login page; a plurality oflitigation case selection pages, with each litigation case selectionpage including at least one hyperlink identifying at least onelitigation case associated with a particular client; a plurality oflitigation case home pages, with each litigation case home pageassociated with one of the identified litigation cases, and eachlitigation case home page including a first plurality of hyperlinks,wherein each hyperlink in the first plurality identifies a category oflitigation information; and a plurality of web pages, with each web pagebeing associated with one of the hyperlinks in the first plurality ofhyperlinks of one of the home pages, and each web page providing casespecific litigation information related to the category identified bythe hyperlink associated with the web page. A client computer coupled tothe computer network displays a user interface based on user interfaceinformation received from the server computer. The client computer isconfigured to access at least a subset of the plurality of web pages viathe user interface.

In one embodiment, the user interface information further includes aplurality of topics pages. Each topics page is associated with aparticular client and includes a plurality of hyperlinks identifying aplurality of topics. The plurality of hyperlinks identifying a pluralityof topics includes a litigation hyperlink. Each litigation caseselection page is associated with a litigation hyperlink on one of theplurality of topics pages.

In one embodiment, the litigation hyperlink is associated with activelitigation cases, and the plurality of hyperlinks identifying aplurality of topics further includes an inactive litigation hyperlinkassociated with inactive litigation cases.

In one embodiment, the plurality of hyperlinks identifying a pluralityof topics further comprises a competitors hyperlink that provides a linkto information about a particular client's competitors.

In one embodiment, the plurality of hyperlinks identifying a pluralityof topics further comprises a prosecution hyperlink that provides a linkto information about a particular client's intellectual propertyapplications.

Another form of the present invention provides a method of accessinglitigation information associated with at least one litigation case. Ahome page including a first plurality of user-selectable hyperlinks isdisplayed. The hyperlinks in the first plurality identify a plurality ofcategories and subcategories of litigation information. Each subcategoryis logically related to at least one of the categories. A first one ofthe plurality of hyperlinks is selected. A web page associated with thefirst one of the hyperlinks is displayed. The web page provideslitigation information related to a category identified by the first oneof the hyperlinks.

Another form of the present invention provides a user interface foraccessing litigation information associated with at least one litigationcase. The user interface includes a home page including a correspondencehyperlink and a pleadings hyperlink. A correspondence web page isassociated with the correspondence hyperlink. The correspondence webpage includes a plurality of correspondence entries. Each correspondenceentry includes identifying information for a correspondence related tothe at least one litigation case. A pleadings web page is associatedwith the pleadings hyperlink. The pleadings web page includes aplurality of pleading entries. Each pleading entry includes identifyinginformation for a pleading related to the at least one litigation case.

In one embodiment, the correspondence web page includes hyperlinks toelectronic copies of correspondence related to the at least onelitigation case.

In one embodiment, the pleadings web page includes hyperlinks toelectronic copies of pleading documents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a distributed computing system forimplementing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary computing systemaccording to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a logical relationship betweenweb pages used in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a diagram of one embodiment of a home page illustratingtypical litigation case caption information and contact information forattorneys handling a litigation matter.

FIGS. 3B-1 through 3B-4 are diagrams of one embodiment of a web pageillustrating contact information for a litigation matter.

FIGS. 3C-1 through 3C-4 are diagrams of one embodiment of a web pageillustrating docket/appointments/deadlines with links to documents thatconfirm the action and/or basis/comments.

FIG. 3D is a diagram of one embodiment of a web page illustrating caseand client information.

FIG. 3E is a diagram of one embodiment of a web page illustrating anindex of correspondence received and authored pertaining to a specifiedlitigation matter.

FIGS. 3F-1 through 3F-2 are diagrams of one embodiment of a web pageillustrating an index of pleadings served, filed, authored, received orotherwise generated by any party.

FIG. 3G is a diagram of one embodiment of a web page illustrating a listof references for legal information.

FIG. 3H is a diagram illustrating uniform resource locators (URLs) ofhyperlinks in the web page shown in FIG. 3G.

FIG. 3I is a diagram of one embodiment of a web page illustratinginformation regarding a patent involved in a litigation.

FIGS. 3J-1 through 3J-2 are diagrams of one embodiment of a web pageillustrating an organizational discovery page.

FIG. 3K is a diagram of one embodiment of a web page illustratinginformation regarding experts.

FIG. 3L is a diagram of one embodiment of a web page illustrating ordersfiled by the judicial assignment.

FIG. 3M is a diagram of one embodiment of a web page illustrating anindex to other pages that contain information filed/used in preparationfor trial.

FIG. 3N is a diagram of one embodiment of a web page illustrating linksto motion papers.

FIGS. 3O-1 through 3O-2 are diagrams of one embodiment of a web pageillustrating how the distribution of documents received and generatedwere effectuated.

FIGS. 4A-1 through 4A-2 are diagrams of a second embodiment of a homepage illustrating typical litigation case caption information andcontact information for attorneys handling a litigation matter, andadditional hyperlinks.

FIGS. 4B-1 through 4B-3 are diagrams of a second embodiment of a webpage illustrating an index of correspondence received and authoredpertaining to a specified litigation matter.

FIGS. 4C-1 through 4C-2 are diagrams of a second embodiment of a webpage illustrating an index of pleadings served, filed, authored,received or otherwise generated by any party.

FIG. 4D is a diagram of one embodiment of a web page illustrating anindex of initial pleadings.

FIGS. 4E-1 through 4E-5 are diagrams of a second embodiment of a webpage illustrating an organizational discovery page.

FIGS. 4F-1 through 4F-3 are diagrams of one embodiment of a web pageillustrating an index of completed depositions.

FIGS. 4G-1 through 4G-2 are diagrams of one embodiment of a web pageillustrating a site map of web pages used in an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 4H-1 through 4H-2 are diagrams of one embodiment of a web pageillustrating an index of trial briefs.

FIGS. 4I-1 through 4I-2 are diagrams of one embodiment of a web pageillustrating an index of motions in limine.

FIGS. 4J-1 through 4J-2 are diagrams of one embodiment of a web pageillustrating an index of jury instructions.

FIGS. 4K-1 through 4K-2 are diagrams of one embodiment of a web pageillustrating an index of witnesses.

FIGS. 4L-1 through 4L-2 are diagrams of one embodiment of a web pageillustrating an index of exhibits.

FIGS. 4M-1 through 4M-2 are diagrams of one embodiment of a web pageillustrating an index of deposition designations of testimony.

FIGS. 4N-1 through 4N-2 are diagrams of one embodiment of a web pageillustrating an index of offers of settlement.

FIGS. 4O-1 through 4O-2 are diagrams of one embodiment of a web pageillustrating an index of special verdict forms.

FIGS. 4P-1 through 4P-2 are diagrams of one embodiment of a web pageillustrating an index of Voir Dire questions.

FIG. 5A is a diagram of one embodiment of a client login web page.

FIG. 5B is a diagram of one embodiment of a client portal web page.

FIG. 5C is a diagram of one embodiment of a web page illustrating a listof active litigation cases for an example client.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments,reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a parthereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specificembodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to beunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural orlogical changes may be made without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is notto be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present inventionis defined by the appended claims.

One form of the present invention provides a system and method for themanagement of litigation documents and information. In one form of theinvention, the term “litigation” as used herein means a contested legalmatter with an adversary. One preferred embodiment provides a litigationmanagement system for intellectual property litigation, which caninclude patent, copyright, trademark, and/or trade secret relatedlitigation. In one embodiment described herein, the invention is aweb-based litigation management system. The information for the systemmay be stored in many different kinds of formats and at many differentlocations, and can include electronic documents with electronicsignatures. Information for the system may exist as an image file storedon a local server or optical disk, or reside as an HTML file on a remoteserver and be accessed by TCP/IP protocol or other communicationsprotocol. Other file types are obviously possible, including multimedia.One form of the litigation management system of the present inventionmanages internal documents (e.g., documents stored within a law firmcomputer system), and external documents (e.g., documents stored on acomputer system outside of the law firm), including scanned copies ofsigned, original documents, which may be stored locally, or at a remotelocation. In one embodiment, the litigation information is accessedthrough a secure Internet connection via a web-type user interface.

FIG. 1A illustrates one possible organization for a distributedcomputing system for implementing an embodiment of the presentinvention. Distributed computing system 100 includes a plurality ofcomputing systems connected together using communications networks 101and 106. Distributed computing system 100 includes server computers 102,client computers 103 and 104, and proxy server 105. In one embodiment,client computers 103 and 104 include user workstations and laptopcomputers. Client computers 103 and 104 may also be any other type ofdevice capable of communicating over a network, including a personaldigital assistant (PDA). Client computers 103 are connected tocommunications network 101. Server computers 102 are also coupled tocommunications network 101. In one embodiment of the present invention,communications network 101 is a wide area network (WAN), such as theInternet, and client computers 103 connect to WAN 101 using a typicaldial-up connection through an Internet service provider (ISP).Alternatively, communications network 101 can be a local area network(LAN).

Users may also connect to the communications system using clientcomputers 104, which are connected to communications network 106. In oneembodiment, communications network 106 is a LAN. Alternatively,communications network 106 can be a WAN. LAN 106 is connected toInternet 101 through a proxy server, such as proxy server 105. In thisarrangement, client computers 104 access resources located on Internet101 by sending a service request to proxy server 105. Proxy server 105in turn forwards the service request to a destination on Internet 101. Aresponse to the request is received by proxy server 105, which forwardsthe response to the requesting client computer 104.

Server computers 102 receive service requests from client computers 103and 104, and generate appropriate responses. In one embodiment, thecommunications between server computers 102, and client computers 103and 104, utilize the standard hypertext transport protocol (HTTP)communications protocol. The responses generated and returned to clientcomputers 103 and 104 are typically in the form of a web page specifiedin hypertext markup language (HTML) that may be displayed to the userutilizing a web browser such as MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER or NETSCAPENAVIGATOR.

Server computers 102 store information such as database information orother electronic data. Data may be stored in a distributed manner acrossone or more of server computers 102. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, a web site is programmed to access litigation-related datastored in server computers 102. Client computers 103 and 104 includeprograms, such as browsers, that allow a user to access informationstored on the web site and to navigate around the web. Generally,browsers employ a graphical user interface displayed on a monitor of acomputer 103 or 104. A user of a computer 103 or 104 utilizes a mouse orother input device to interact with the graphical user interface, accessservers 102, and perform data acquisition, data transmission, andnavigation functions via the graphical user interface.

FIG. 1B is an electrical block diagram of major components of anexemplary computing system 108 according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. In one embodiment, computers 102, 103, 104, and 105are represented by exemplary computing system 108. In one form of thepresent invention, computing system 108 includes a general-purposecomputing device 110 in the form of a conventional computer system.Computing device 110 includes a processor unit 112, a system memory 114,and a system bus 116 that couples various system components includingsystem memory 114 to processor unit 112. System bus 116 may be any ofseveral types of bus structures including a memory bus or memorycontroller, a peripheral bus and a local bus using any of a variety ofbus architectures. System memory 114 includes read only memory (ROM) 118and random access memory (RAM) 120. A basic input/output system (BIOS)122, which contains basic routines that help transfer informationbetween elements within computing system 108, is also stored in memory114.

Computing device 110 further includes a hard disk drive 123 for readingfrom and writing to a hard disk 125, a magnetic disk drive 124 forreading from or writing to a removable magnetic disk 126, and an opticaldisk drive 128 for reading from or writing to a removable optical disk129, such as a CD ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD), or other opticalmedia. Hard disk drive 123, magnetic disk drive 124, and optical diskdrive 128 are connected to system bus 116 by a hard disk drive interface130, a magnetic disk drive interface 132, and an optical drive interface134, respectively. Drives 123, 124 and 128 and their associatedcomputer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage of computer readableinstructions, data structures, programs, and other data for computersystem 108.

Although the exemplary computer system 108 described herein employs ahard disk 125, a removable magnetic disk 126, and a removable opticaldisk 129, other types of computer-readable media capable of storing datacan be used in the exemplary system 108. Examples of other types ofcomputer-readable mediums that can be used in the exemplary operatingenvironment 108 include magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digitalvideo disks, Bernoulli cartridges, random access memories (RAMs), andread only memories (ROMs).

A number of program modules may be stored on hard disk 125, magneticdisk 126, optical disk 129, ROM 118 and RAM 120, including an operatingsystem 136, one or more application programs 138, other program modules140, and program data 142. A user may enter commands and informationinto computer system 108 through input devices, such as a keyboard 144and mouse 146 or other pointing device. Examples of other input devicesinclude a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, and scanner.These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit112 through a serial port interface 150 that is coupled to system bus116. Nevertheless, these input devices may also be connected by otherinterfaces, such as a parallel port, game port, or a universal serialbus (USB). A monitor 152 or other type of display device is alsoconnected to system bus 116 via an interface, such as a video adapter154. In addition to monitor 152, computer systems typically includeother peripheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers andprinters.

Computer system 108 operates in a networked environment using logicalconnections to one or more remote computers, such as remote computer156. Remote computer 156 may be a computer system, a server, a router, anetwork PC, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallyincludes many or all of the elements described above relative tocomputer system 108. The network connections include a LAN 158 and a WAN160. Such networking environments are commonplace in offices,enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, and the Internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, computer system 108 isconnected to LAN 158 through a network interface or adapter 162. Whenused in a WAN networking environment, computer system 108 typicallyincludes a modem 164 or other means for establishing communications overa WAN 160, such as the Internet. Modem 164, which may be internal orexternal to computing device 110, is connected to system bus 116 viaserial port interface 150. In a networked environment, program modulesdepicted relative to computer system 108, or portions thereof, may bestored in a remote memory storage device. It will be appreciated thatthe network connections shown are exemplary, and other means ofestablishing a communications link between computers may be used,including wireless technologies.

A computing device, such as computer system 102, 103, 104, or 105,typically includes at least some form of computer-readable media.Computer readable media can be any available media that can be accessedby a computer system 102, 103, 104, or 105. By way of example, and notlimitation, computer-readable media might comprise computer storagemedia and communication media.

Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable andnon-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storageof information such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but isnot limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, flash memory or other memorytechnology, CD-ROM, DVD, or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,or any other medium that can be used to store the desired informationand that can be accessed by a computer system 102, 103, 104, or 105.

Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated datasignal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includesany information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means asignal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed insuch a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example,and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as awired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such asacoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media. Combinations of any ofthe above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.Computer-readable media may also be referred to as computer programproduct.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a web site illustrating a logicalrelationship between web pages used in one embodiment of the presentinvention. Web site 200 includes web pages 202A-202X (collectivelyreferred to as web pages 202). Web pages 202 include home page 202A,search web page 202B, contact information web page 202C, docket web page202D, client information web page 202E, correspondence web page 202F,pleadings index web page 202G, rules web page 202H, patents web page202I, discovery web page 202J, experts web page 202K, orders web page202L, trial notebook web page 202M, motions web page 202N, BCC list webpage 202O, trial briefs web page 202P, motions in limine web page 202Q,jury instructions web page 202R, witness lists web page 202S, exhibitlists web page 202T, deposition designations of testimony web page 202U,offers of settlement web page 202V, special verdict forms web page 202W,and Voir Dire questions web page 202X. Exemplary embodiments of severalof web pages 202 are shown in FIGS. 3A-3O and 4A-4P. Web site 200 isalso referred to as litigation management system 200.

Web pages 202C-202O are accessible via hyperlinks on home page 202A inone form of the present invention. In one embodiment, each of web pages202C-202O corresponds to a particular category of litigationinformation, and provides hyperlinks to information within thatcategory. For example, trial notebook web page 202M corresponds to a“trial information” category, and includes hyperlinks to web pages202P-202X. Web pages 202P-202X provide trial information, such as trialbriefs, trial motions, jury instructions, witness lists, exhibit lists,depositions and offers of settlement. In one embodiment, web pages202P-202X include links to PDF files that are generated by scanningtrial documents. Like web page 202M, each of web pages 202C-202L and202N-202O also include hyperlinks to additional web pages (not shown) inone form of the present invention. In one embodiment, each of web pages202C-202O includes hyperlinks to each of the other web pages 202C-202Oon the same organizational level in FIG. 2. As will be understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art, each of web pages 202 may includehyperlinks to any other of web pages 202.

Information for web pages 202 may be specified in a variety of formatsor combinations of formats, including but not limited to HTML, PDF, TIFFand JPG. Web pages 202 provide a user interface that allows a user toquickly and efficiently locate and view information related to aspecified litigation. Web pages 202 are also referred to as userinterface 202. In addition to providing hyperlinks to other web pages202, any of web pages 202 may also include “short cuts” or “jump links”that initiate the execution of program steps to perform tasks other thanthe retrieval of documents. For example, user interface 202 may initiatea search. The search could include text within the user interface ortext generated through an optical character recognition (OCR) functionon underlying data. Scanned documents, and text files generated byperforming OCR on the scanned documents, may be stored and organized inone or more databases that are accessible through user interface 202.User interface 202 may also provide a portal to other databases andinformation repositories. User interface 202 may execute otherapplication programs, such as Summation Blaze®, or a graphics programthat illustrates the relationship of multiple patents in a flow chart orother organizational chart with hyperlinks to the documents referenced.Other application programs may also be executed through user interface202.

In one form of the present invention, litigation management system 200employs security features that permit restricted access to litigationdata. For example, certain information in litigation management system200 may be designated as being accessible only by attorneys or only byclients. Similarly, certain information may be designated as beingmodifiable only by certain individuals (e.g., a client may be able toupdate a client page, while the attorneys cannot modify the client page,nor even access the client page if such access restrictions aredesired). Litigation management system 200 may also initiate programcode for performing steps relating to creating, revising, and updatingthe data accessed by the litigation management system 200. Data may beprovided to litigation management system 200 by the user or retrievedfrom system 200 by the user. Various methods of creating the logicalconnections between the retrieval of data and the submission of data maybe employed. Litigation management system 200 may initiate anotherapplication program, and distribute information via variouscommunications protocols (e.g., SMTP or other email protocol, wirelessapplication protocol or WAP, pager, etc.), or take other actions.

In one embodiment, web pages 202 are executed by a browser such asInternet Explorer that interfaces with an email client, such asMicrosoft Outlook and Exchange, and a server. The browser executes HTMLor XML code that accesses the information through a link. Typically, thelink accesses data stored as an image, text, html, or other file. Thesefiles may include links to data as well. Web pages 202 include links toother web pages 202 and documents stored as PDF files. Links alsoinitiate email communications to a group or individual and may generatea form or a word processing document. User interface 202 and theunderlying litigation data may be embodied in a portable medium such asa CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM or resident on a server (e.g., a server that ispart of a corporate intranet), or both. Storing user interface 202 andthe underlying litigation data on a portable computer-readable mediumallows the information to be transported, confidentially provided toclients, and/or used in a courtroom or during a deposition, whereInternet access may not be available. Alternatively, user interface 202and the underlying litigation data may be accessed remotely via theInternet or other communication method. Litigation management system 200also includes a method of updating and distributing the information.Users may be notified of changes to the content or other events such asdocket dates or reminders of docket dates. Events may be initiated bythe users or the litigation management system 200 itself.

FIGS. 3A-3O are diagrams of exemplary web pages 202 that provide a userinterface according to one embodiment of the present invention. The webpages illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3O were created using Microsoft®Frontpage®. Other methods of generating information pages for litigationmanagement system 200 may be used. In FIGS. 3A-3O, underlined textindicates hyperlinks. The hyperlinks may go to a destination/page withinthe web site/page, to another “http:\\” location, an email message, tosome other place on the network, or initiate some other action.

FIG. 3A is a diagram of an exemplary home page 202A illustrating typicallitigation case caption information and contact information forattorneys handling a litigation matter. Home page 202A includes headinginformation 302, status information 304, page identifier 306, hyperlinks308A-308O (collectively referred to as hyperlinks 308), case captioninformation 310, and attorney contact information 312.

In one embodiment, heading information 302 identifies the law firmhandling the litigation and using litigation management system 200. Inone embodiment, status information 304 is a marquee that scrolls acrossthe top of each web page 202. Status information 304 identifies one ormore litigation tasks that must be completed by a specified date. In theembodiment shown, status information 304 indicates that a Response tothe Plaintiff's Interrogatories is due on Jan. 2, 2001. Statusinformation 304 may be customized, and periodically updated to indicatecurrent tasks to be completed for a litigation matter. Statusinformation 304 may also provide other information regarding alitigation matter.

Page identifier 306 identifies the web page 202 currently being viewedby the user. In FIG. 3A, page identifier 306 indicates that the user isviewing “Home Page” 202A. Hyperlinks 308 allow a user to link to otherweb pages 202 within web site 200.

In one embodiment, case caption information 310 includes typical caseinformation, including identification of the plaintiffs and thedefendants, case number, and the judge or judges assigned to the case.In one embodiment, attorney contact information 312 includes informationregarding the attorneys handling the case, including names, addresses,phone numbers, and facsimile numbers.

FIGS. 3B-1 through 3B-4 (collectively referred to as FIG. 3B) arediagrams of an exemplary contact information web page 202C illustratingcontact information for a litigation matter. In one embodiment, contactinformation web page 202C is displayed in response to a user selectinglink 308B from one of web pages 202A-202O. Page identifier 306 indicatesthat the user is viewing “Contact Information” web page 202C.

In one embodiment, contact information categories include, but are notlimited to: Internal case information, court information, judicialassignment information, plaintiff(s) information, attorney forplaintiff(s) information, defendant(s) information, attorney fordefendant(s) information, and local counsel information. In oneembodiment, the above contact information categories include, but arenot limited to, the following information: names, addresses, telephonenumbers (firm, direct, cellular, other), facsimile numbers, emailaddresses, web site addresses, hyperlinks to biographical information ona website, room/suite numbers, and links to pages in other web sitesthat contain pertinent information.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, contact information web page 202Cincludes case caption information 310, attorney contact information 312,court information 320, judicial assignment information 322, judicialassignment links 324, plaintiff information 326, plaintiffs' attorneysinformation 328, defendant information 330, defendants' attorneysinformation 332, and local counsel information 334. Court information320 includes the name and address of the court, phone and facsimilenumbers at the court, hyperlinks to the office of clerk and the clerk ofcourt, as well as other useful information. Judicial assignmentinformation 322 includes information regarding the judges assigned tothe case, including the names and phone numbers of secretaries,courtroom deputies, law clerks, and court reporters. One or more of theindividuals listed in judicial assignment information 322 may haveassociated hyperlinks to other web pages that provide additionalinformation about the individuals.

Judicial assignment information 322 also includes judicial assignmentlinks 324. Judicial assignment links 324 include hyperlinks to variouscourt related web pages, including web pages that provide informationabout standing orders, trial procedures, calendars, reference guides,common case forms, and general court information. Judicial assignmentlinks 324 also include a hyperlink to “PACER,” which stands for PublicAccess to Court Electronic Records. PACER provides access to case anddocket information stored in databases maintained by various courts.

Plaintiff information 326 includes the names, addresses, phone numbers,facsimile numbers, e-mail addresses, and websites of the plaintiffs.Plaintiffs' attorneys information 328 includes information about counselfor the plaintiffs, including attorney names, hyperlinks to biographicalinformation, hyperlinks to the attorneys' law firm, address information,phone numbers, and facsimile numbers. Defendant information 330 includesthe names, addresses, phone numbers, facsimile numbers, e-mailaddresses, and websites of the defendants. Defendants' attorneysinformation 332 includes information about counsel for the defendants,including attorney names, hyperlinks to biographical information,hyperlinks to the attorneys' law firm, address information, phonenumbers, facsimile numbers, and attorney identification numbers. Localcounsel information 334 includes information about local counsel for thedefendants, including attorney names, hyperlinks to biographicalinformation, hyperlinks to the attorneys' law firm, address information,phone numbers, facsimile numbers, and attorney identification numbers.

FIGS. 3C-1 through 3C-4 (collectively referred to as FIG. 3C) arediagrams of an exemplary docket web page 202D illustratingdocket/appointments/deadlines with links to documents that confirm theaction and/or provide basis/comments. In one embodiment, docket web page202D is displayed in response to a user selecting link 308C from one ofweb pages 202A-202O. Page identifier 306 indicates that the user isviewing “Docket” web page 202D. Docket web page 202D includes dockettable 350 and hyperlink 354. Hyperlink 354 links a user to a printableversion, in this case a Microsoft Word document, of docket table 350.

Docket table 350 includes four columns 352A-352D and a plurality ofentries 356A-356N (collectively referred to as entries 356). Column 352Bincludes actions that have been taken or that need to be taken in alitigation. In one embodiment, actions under column 352B include, butare not limited to, summons and complaints, answers and counterclaims,status reports, hearings, discovery requests and responses, discoverydeadlines, deadlines for motions, other pretrial or trial deadlines, andany other action relevant to the litigation. Actions specified undercolumn 352B may include one or more hyperlinks to information associatedwith the action. For example, in entry 356A, the action specified incolumn 352B is “Complaint,” and the action is underlined indicating thatthe action is a hyperlink. In one embodiment, if a user selects the“Complaint” hyperlink in entry 356A, an electronic copy of the complaintis displayed on the user's computer. Similarly, a user may select anyother hyperlink in docket table 350 and view an electronic copy of thedocument identified by the hyperlink, or view additional informationabout the hyperlinked item.

Column 352A includes dates that actions specified in column 352B weretaken, or dates that actions specified in column 352B are to becompleted. Column 352C indicates whether an action specified in column352B was completed, and may also include the date the action wascompleted. Column 352C may also include other information, such as anexplanation why an action was not taken, like that shown in entry 356F.Column 352D includes miscellaneous information regarding entries 356,including a basis for an action, comments regarding an action, anidentification of the person or persons who have been assigned anaction, or other miscellaneous information.

FIG. 3D is a diagram of an exemplary client information web page 202Eillustrating miscellaneous case and client information. In oneembodiment, client information web page 202E is displayed in response toa user selecting link 308D from one of web pages 202A-202O. Pageidentifier 306 indicates that the user is viewing “Client Information”web page 202E. Client information web page 202E provides miscellaneousinformation regarding a litigation case, such as budget information,conflict information, case strategy information, case objectiveinformation, and any other important information relevant to the case.

In one embodiment, client information web page 202E includes hyperlinks360A-360C. “Case Budget” hyperlink 360A provides a link to budgetinformation for the case. In one embodiment, the budget informationincludes a budget comparison feature that compares invoices to the casebudget and generates a report based on the comparison. “Client AgreementLetter” hyperlink 360B provides a link to an electronic copy of a clientagreement letter for the case. “Conflict Documentation” hyperlink 360Cprovides a link to information related to conflicts for the case.

FIG. 3E is a diagram of an exemplary correspondence web page 202Fillustrating an index of correspondence received and authored pertainingto a specified litigation matter. In one embodiment, correspondence webpage 202F is displayed in response to a user selecting link 308E fromone of web pages 202A-202O. Page identifier 306 indicates that the useris viewing “Correspondence” web page 202F.

Correspondence web page 202F includes month hyperlinks 370 andcorrespondence table 372. When a user selects one of month hyperlinks370, descriptions of correspondence for the month and the yearidentified by the selected hyperlink are displayed at the top ofcorrespondence table 372. Correspondence table 372 includes columns 374Aand 374B, and a plurality of entries 376. Column 374B includes adescription of correspondence associated with a particular litigation.Column 374A identifies dates of the correspondence listed in column374B. In one embodiment, column 374B includes hyperlinks to electroniccopies of correspondence identified therein.

FIGS. 3F-1 through 3F-2 (collectively referred to as FIG. 3F) arediagrams of an exemplary pleadings index web page 202G illustrating anindex of pleadings served, filed, authored, received or otherwisegenerated by any party. In one embodiment, pleadings index web page 202Gis displayed in response to a user selecting link 308F from one of webpages 202A-202O. Page identifier 306 indicates that the user is viewing“Pleading Index” web page 202G.

Pleadings index web page 202G includes first pleadings index table 400.First pleadings index table 400 includes first index heading 401,columns 402A-402D, and a plurality of entries 404. Column 402A includesa pleadings number for each entry 404. Column 402B includes adescription of each pleading. Column 402C includes a date for eachpleading. Column 402D identifies the party that generated a pleading,such as plaintiffs, defendants, and the court. In one embodiment, column402B includes hyperlinks to electronic copies of the pleadingsidentified therein. Pleadings index web page 202G may include multipleindex tables 400, as indicated by second index heading 406, which is aheading for a second index table (not shown).

FIG. 3G is a diagram of an exemplary rules web page 202H illustrating alist of legal references 420. In one embodiment, rules web page 202H isdisplayed in response to a user selecting link 308G from one of webpages 202A-202O. Page identifier 306 indicates that the user is viewing“Rules” web page 202H. In one embodiment, each reference in list 420 isa hyperlink to another web page that contains the information identifiedby the reference. Alternatively, the information identified by thereferences could be stored locally (e.g., on a law firm's intranet) asimages, text, html documents, or other files.

FIG. 3H illustrates uniform resource locators (URLs) of some ofhyperlinks 420 in rules web page 202H shown in FIG. 3G. Screen 450 is asimplified exemplary screen display from Microsoft FrontPage. Screen 450includes rules icon 452, URLs 456A-456I, and index icon 458. Rules icon452 corresponds to rules web page 202H.

URL 456A specifies the location that the user will jump to when the“Local Rules” hyperlink 420 is selected from rules web page 202H. URL456B specifies the location that the user will jump to when the “Fed. R.Civ. P.” hyperlink 420 is selected from rules web page 202H. URL 456Cspecifies the location that the user will jump to when the “Fed. R.Evid.” hyperlink 420 is selected from rules web page 202H. URL 456Dspecifies the location that the user will jump to when the “Patent Law”hyperlink 420 is selected from rules web page 202H. URL 456E specifiesthe location that the user will jump to when the “28 U.S.C” hyperlink420 is selected from rules web page 202H. URL 456F specifies thelocation that the user will jump to when the “U.S.C” hyperlink 420 isselected from rules web page 202H. URL 456G specifies the location thatthe user will jump to when the “MPEP” hyperlink 420 is selected fromrules web page 202H. URL 456H specifies the location that the user willjump to when the “USPTO” hyperlink 420 is selected from rules web page202H. URL 456I specifies the location that the user will jump to whenthe “PACER” hyperlink 420 is selected from rules web page 202H.

It will be understood that URLs 456A-456I are merely exemplary, and thatthe information identified by hyperlinks 420 may be accessed from otherlocations, including a local server (e.g., a server on a law firm'sintranet). Index icon 458 represents home page 202A.

FIG. 3I is a diagram of an exemplary patents web page 202I illustratinginformation regarding a patent involved in the litigation. In oneembodiment, patents web page 202I is displayed in response to a userselecting link 308H from one of web pages 202A-202O. Page identifier 306indicates that the user is viewing “Patents” web page 202I.

Patents web page 202I includes patent heading information 470, andhyperlinks 472A-472B (collectively referred to as hyperlinks 472). Inone embodiment, patent heading information 470 includes the serialnumber, filing date, inventor names, patent number, issue date, andexpiration date of the patent in suit. Patent heading information 470may also include other information about the patent in suit. Hyperlink472A provides a link to the file history of the patent identified inpatent heading information 470. Hyperlink 472B provides a link to thepatent identified in patent heading information 470. Hyperlinks 472 mayalso include additional links to other information regarding the patentin suit. In one embodiment, the patent and the file history associatedwith hyperlinks 472A-472B are stored locally as images, text, html, orother file type. It will be understood that patents web page 202I mayinclude information for multiple patents, including prior art patentsinvolved in the litigation. Web page 202I may also or alternativelyinclude information regarding trademarks or copyrights involved in thelitigation.

FIGS. 3J-1 through 3J-2 (collectively referred to as FIG. 3J) arediagrams of an exemplary discovery web page 202J illustrating discoveryinformation for the litigation. In one embodiment, discovery web page202J is displayed in response to a user selecting link 308I from one ofweb pages 202A-202O. Page identifier 306 indicates that the user isviewing “Discovery” web page 202J. Discovery web page 202J includes, butis not limited to, plaintiff's discovery information, defendant'sdiscovery information, and deposition information.

Discovery web page 202J includes plaintiffs discovery table 502,defendant's discovery table 510, depositions table 520, and hyperlinks500A-500D. A user can scroll up/down or page up/down through tables 502,510 and 520. Selecting “Top of Page” hyperlink 500A brings the user backto the top of the first table displayed in discovery web page 202J,which in this embodiment is plaintiffs discovery table 502. Selecting“Plaintiffs Discovery” hyperlink 500B causes a jump to the top ofplaintiffs discovery table 502. Selecting “Defendant's Discovery”hyperlink 500C causes a jump to the top of defendant's discovery table510. Selecting “Depositions” hyperlink 500D causes a jump to the top ofdepositions table 520.

Plaintiffs discovery table 502 includes columns 504A-504E, and aplurality of entries 506. Column 504B includes descriptions of theplaintiffs discovery requests and the defendant's discovery responses.In one embodiment, descriptions in column 504B also include hyperlinksto electronic copies of the described discovery documents. The discoverydocuments may be stored locally as image files or other file types, andaccessed through the hyperlinks in plaintiffs discovery table 502.Column 504A includes dates for discovery entries described in column504B. Column 504C includes dates of service of discovery informationdescribed in column 504B. Column 504D includes due dates for discoveryinformation described in column 504B. Column 504E includes dates ofreceipt/service for the defendant's responses to the plaintiffsdiscovery requests. For entries 506 that correspond to defendant'sdiscovery responses, the date of service of the responses are providedin column 504C, rather than in column 504E (i.e., “N/A” or notapplicable).

Defendant's discovery table 510 includes columns 512A-512E, and aplurality of entries 514. Column 512B includes descriptions of thedefendant's discovery requests and the plaintiffs discovery responses.In one embodiment, descriptions in column 512B also include hyperlinksto electronic copies of the described discovery documents. The discoverydocuments may be stored locally as image files or other file types, andaccessed through the hyperlinks in defendant's discovery table 510.Column 512A includes dates for discovery entries described in column512B. Column 512C includes dates of service of discovery informationdescribed in column 512B. Column 512D includes due dates for discoveryinformation described in column 512B. Column 512E includes dates ofreceipt/service for the plaintiffs responses to the defendant'sdiscovery requests. For entries 514 that correspond to defendant'sdiscovery requests, the date of service of the requests are provided incolumn 512C, rather than in column 512E (i.e., “NA” or not applicable).

Depositions table 520 includes columns 522A-522E, and a plurality ofentries 524. Column 522B includes descriptions of deponents and thelocation of depositions. Column 522A includes dates for depositions.Column 522C includes dates that deposition notices were served. Column522D includes identifications of the parties that noticed depositions.Column 522E includes identifications of court reporters for depositions.In one embodiment, depositions table 520 includes hyperlinks toelectronic copies of deposition transcripts, and/or hyperlinks to otherrelated information, including links to audio/video recordings ofdepositions.

FIG. 3K is a diagram of an exemplary experts web page 202K illustratinginformation regarding experts for a litigation. In one embodiment,experts web page 202K is displayed in response to a user selecting link308J from one of web pages 202A-202O. Page identifier 306 indicates thatthe user is viewing “Expert” web page 202K. In one embodiment, expertsweb page 202K includes links to electronic copies of expert reports,deposition notices and testimony, curriculum vitae, and otherinformation related to experts in a litigation.

Experts web page 202K includes experts table 540, plaintiffs expertsinformation table 556, and defendant's experts information table 562.Experts table 540 includes columns 542A and 542B. Column 542A includes“Plaintiff's Expert(s)” hyperlink 544, plaintiff's expert contactinformation 548, and plaintiff's expert summary information 552. Column542B includes “Defendant's Expert(s)” hyperlink 546, defendant's expertcontact information 550, and defendant's expert summary information 554.Selecting “Plaintiffs Expert(s)” hyperlink 544 causes a jump to the topof plaintiffs experts information table 556. Selecting “Defendant'sExpert(s)” hyperlink 546 causes a jump to the top of defendant's expertsinformation table 562. Contact information 548 and 550 includes standardcontact information for each expert in a litigation, such as names,addresses, phone numbers and facsimile numbers. Expert summaryinformation 552 and 554 includes information regarding each expert in alitigation, such as a hyperlinks to curriculum vitas, descriptions ofthe scope of expert testimony, descriptions and hyperlinks to documentstransmitted to experts, and any other pertinent information.

Plaintiffs experts information table 556 includes columns 558A-558C, anda plurality of entries 560. Column 558A includes a pleadings indexnumber for each entry 560. Column 558B includes descriptions ofdocuments and other information related to the plaintiff's expert(s). Inone embodiment, descriptions in column 558B also include hyperlinks toelectronic copies of the described discovery documents or otherinformation. In one form of the invention, hyperlinks are provided intable 556 for expert reports, supplemental reports, deposition notices,deposition transcripts and/or video deposition clips, depositiondesignations, and any other pertinent information related to theplaintiff's expert(s). Column 558C includes dates for informationdescribed in column 558B.

Defendant's experts information table 562 includes columns 564A-564C,and a plurality of entries 566. Column 564A includes a pleadings indexnumber for each entry 566. Column 564B includes descriptions ofdocuments and other information related to the defendant's expert(s). Inone embodiment, descriptions in column 564B also include hyperlinks toelectronic copies of the described discovery documents or otherinformation. In one form of the invention, hyperlinks are provided intable 562 for expert reports, supplemental reports, deposition notices,deposition transcripts and/or video deposition clips, depositiondesignations, and any other pertinent information related to thedefendant's expert(s). Column 564C includes dates for informationdescribed in column 564B.

FIG. 3L is a diagram of an exemplary orders web page 202L illustratingorders filed by the judicial assignment. In one embodiment, orders webpage 202L is displayed in response to a user selecting link 308K fromone of web pages 202A-202O. Page identifier 306 indicates that the useris viewing “Orders” web page 202L. Orders web page 202L includes orderstable 600 and hyperlink 606. Orders table 600 includes columns602A-602C, and a plurality of entries 604. Column 602B includesdescriptions of orders issued by the court. In one embodiment, thedescriptions in column 602B are hyperlinks to electronic copies of thedescribed orders. In one embodiment, electronic copies of the orders arestored locally. Column 602A provides a pleading index number for eachone of the entries 604. Column 602C includes dates of the ordersdescribed in column 602B. A user can scroll up/down and page up/downthrough orders table 600. Selecting “Top of Page” hyperlink 606 bringsthe user to the top of orders table 600.

FIG. 3M is a diagram of an exemplary trial notebook web page 202Millustrating an index to other pages that contain information filed/usedin preparation for trial. In one embodiment, trial notebook web page202M is displayed in response to a user selecting link 308L from one ofweb pages 202A-202O. Page identifier 306 indicates that the user isviewing “Trial Notebook” web page 202M. Trial notebook web page 202Mincludes hyperlinks 620A-620P (collectively referred to as hyperlinks620), and hyperlink 622. In one embodiment, hyperlinks 620 are hoverbutton bars that are linked to other web pages.

Hyperlink 620A provides a link to the plaintiffs trial brief. Hyperlink620B provides a link to the defendant's trial brief. Hyperlink 620Cprovides a link to the plaintiffs motions in limine. Hyperlink 620Dprovides a link to the defendant's motions in limine. Hyperlink 620Eprovides a link to the plaintiffs jury instructions. Hyperlink 620Fprovides a link to the defendant's jury instructions. Hyperlink 620Gprovides a link to the plaintiffs witness list. Hyperlink 620H providesa link to the defendant's witness list. Hyperlink 620I provides a linkto the plaintiffs exhibit list. Hyperlink 620J provides a link to thedefendant's exhibit list. Hyperlink 620K provides a link to theplaintiffs deposition designations. Hyperlink 620L provides a link tothe defendant's deposition designations. Hyperlink 620M provides a linkto a supplemental prior art notice for patent litigation. Hyperlink 620Nprovides a link to offers of settlement. Hyperlink 620O provides a linkto special verdict forms. Hyperlink 620P provides a link to Voir Direquestions.

Hyperlinks may also be provided to other types of litigation informationin trial notebook web page 202M. A user can scroll up/down and pageup/down through the information displayed in trial notebook web page202M. Selecting “Top of Page” hyperlink 622 brings the user to the topof the displayed information.

FIG. 3N is a diagram of an exemplary motions web page 202N illustratinglinks to motion papers. In one embodiment, motions web page 202N isdisplayed in response to a user selecting link 308M from one of webpages 202A-202O. Page identifier 306 indicates that the user is viewing“Motions” web page 202N.

Motions web page 202N includes hyperlinks 640 and 644, motiondefinitions 642 and 646, dispositive motions table 648, hyperlink 654,non-dispositive motions table 656, and hyperlink 664. A user can scrollup/down or page up/down through tables 648 and 656. Selecting “Top ofPage” hyperlink 654 or 664 brings the user back to the top of the firsttable displayed in motions web page 202N, which in this embodiment isdispositive motions table 648. Definition 642 includes a description ofthe types of motions that are typically classified as dispositivemotions, and that should be included in table 648. Definition 646includes a description of the types of motions that are typicallyclassified as non-dispositive motions, and that should be included intable 656. Selecting “Dispositive Motions” hyperlink 640 causes a jumpto the top of dispositive motions table 648. Selecting “Non-DispositiveMotions” hyperlink 644 causes a jump to the top of non-dispositivemotions table 656.

Dispositive motions table 648 includes columns 650A-650D, and aplurality of entries 652. Column 650A includes a pleadings index numberfor each entry 652. Column 650B includes descriptions of dispositivemotions and related information. In one embodiment, descriptions incolumn 650B also include hyperlinks to electronic copies of thedescribed dispositive motions and related information. The hyperlinkeddocuments may be stored locally as image files or other file types, andaccessed through the hyperlinks in dispositive motions table 648. Column650C includes dates for dispositive motion entries described in column650B. Column 650D includes an identification of the party (e.g.,plaintiff or defendant) associated with each dispositive motion entrydescribed in column 650B.

Non-dispositive motions table 656 includes columns 658A-658D, and aplurality of entries 660. Column 658A includes a pleadings index numberfor each entry 660. Column 658B includes descriptions of non-dispositivemotions and related information. In one embodiment, descriptions incolumn 658B also include hyperlinks, such as hyperlinks 662, toelectronic copies of the described non-dispositive motions and relatedinformation. The hyperlinked documents may be stored locally as imagefiles or other file types, and accessed through the hyperlinks innon-dispositive motions table 656. Column 658C includes dates fornon-dispositive motion entries described in column 658B. Column 658Dincludes an identification of the party (e.g., plaintiff or defendant)associated with each non-dispositive motion entry described in column658B.

FIGS. 3O-1 through 3O-2 (collectively referred to as FIG. 3O) arediagrams of an exemplary BCC list web page 202O illustrating how thedistribution of documents received and generated were effectuated. Inone embodiment, BCC list web page 202O is displayed in response to auser selecting link 308N from one of web pages 202A-202O. Pageidentifier 306 indicates that the user is viewing “BCC List” web page202O.

BCC list web page 202O, which is also referred to as copy web page 202O,allows a user to identify the individuals who were provided a copy of aparticular litigation document, such as a pleading, an email, a letteror other correspondence, or any other litigation document, whetherelectronic or paper-based. In one form of the present invention, BCClist web page 202O acts as a “form” that is filled in by the user, andthen printed for document retention or other purposes. In oneembodiment, BCC list web page 202O includes attorney names list 700,attorney email addresses list 702, local counsel email addresses list704, email identification information 706, client address information708, client delivery information 710, local counsel address information712, local counsel delivery information 714, and hyperlinks 716 and 718.

If a user wishes to identify the attorneys that were provided aparticular email communication, the user can locate each such attorneyin attorney names list 700, identify the corresponding email addressesof the attorneys in attorney email address list 702 or in local counselemail address list 704, and then click on the email addressescorresponding to the attorneys that were provided the communication.Email identification information 706 allows a user to specifyidentification information for the email communication, including senderinformation 706A and date information 706B.

Client address information 708 includes names and address informationfor the client or clients. To indicate that a client was provided aparticular litigation document, a user identifies the method of deliveryof the document in client delivery information 710. Client deliveryinformation 710 includes checkboxes to indicate the method of delivery,including “first class mail” checkbox 710A, “overnight courier” checkbox710B, “facsimile” checkbox 710C and “other” checkbox 710D. If a userselects “other” checkbox 710D, the user may also enter the specificmethod of delivery.

Local counsel address information 712 includes names and addressinformation for local counsel. To indicate that local counsel wasprovided a particular litigation document, a user identifies the methodof delivery of the document in local counsel delivery information 714.Local counsel delivery information 714 includes checkboxes to indicatethe method of delivery, including “first class mail” checkbox 714A,“overnight courier” checkbox 714B, “facsimile” checkbox 714C and “email”checkbox 714D. If a user selects “email” checkbox 714D, the user mayalso select the email address or addresses of the individual orindividuals that were provided the communication.

A user may generate a copy list, identifying each individual thatreceived a litigation document, by selecting “Link to BCC Word Document”hyperlink 716. When hyperlink 716 is selected, the information providedby a user on BCC list web page 202O is imported into a Microsoft Worddocument, which may be printed and stored along with a particularlitigation document. In one embodiment, the Microsoft Word documentincludes a copy list, identifying each individual that was provided acopy of a litigation document, and the manner in which the document wassent. Selecting “Top of Page” hyperlink 718, brings the user back to thetop of BCC list web page 202O.

In addition to, or as an alternative to, printing out a copy list foreach litigation document, copy information may be stored electronically.Copy information may also be generated automatically, rather thanmanually entering copy information for each litigation document.

In one embodiment, each of web pages 202A-202O includes a searchhyperlink 308O. In one form of the invention, selection of searchhyperlink 308O results in the display of a search dialog box (not shown)overlaid on the currently displayed web page 202. Persons of ordinaryskill will recognize that various alternative methods of providingsearch functionality may be employed, including providing a separatesearch web page 202, or allowing search information to be entereddirectly on each of web pages 202. In one embodiment, the search dialogbox allows a user to enter search terms and boolean logic. A list ofinformation that matches the specified search terms is then displayed.Searches may be performed for litigation information stored locally, ormay specify a broader scope, such as the entire Internet. In oneembodiment, search queries may be directed to text contained in webpages 202, metadata, and/or text files generated from performing OCR ondocuments.

FIGS. 4A-4P and 5A-5C are diagrams of additional or alternativeexemplary web pages 202 that are part of a user interface according toone embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4A-1 through 4A-2 (collectively referred to as FIG. 4A) arediagrams of a second embodiment of a home page 202A′ illustratingtypical litigation case caption information and contact information forattorneys handling a litigation matter, with additional hyperlinks notshown in home page 202A (shown in FIG. 3A). Home page 202A′ includesheading information 302, page identifier 306, hyperlinks 308A-308X(collectively referred to as hyperlinks 308), case caption information310, and attorney contact information 312.

In one embodiment, heading information 302 identifies the law firmhandling the litigation and using litigation management system 200,which is Merchant & Gould P.C. in the example shown. Heading information302 also identifies the system as an “Elumis™ Litigation ManagementSystem.”

Page identifier 306 identifies the web page 202 currently being viewedby the user. In FIG. 4A, page identifier 306 indicates that the user isviewing “Home Page” 202A′.

In one embodiment, case caption information 310 includes typical caseinformation, including identification of the plaintiffs and thedefendants, case number, and the judge or judges assigned to the case.In one embodiment, attorney contact information 312 includes informationregarding the attorneys handling the case, including names, addresses,phone numbers, and facsimile numbers.

Hyperlinks 308 allow a user to link to other web pages 202 within website 200. Home page 202A′ includes additional hyperlinks 308P-308X,which were not illustrated in home page 202A (shown in FIG. 3A). “CaseStrategy” hyperlink 308P is a link to a page that provides strategyinformation for the case. “Initial Pleadings” hyperlink 308Q is a linkto an initial pleadings web page 202Y (shown in FIG. 4D). “Index ofDepositions” hyperlink 308R is a link to an index of depositions webpage 202Z (shown in FIG. 4F). “Site Map” hyperlink 308S is a link tosite map web page 202AA (shown in FIG. 4G). “Transcripts/Documents”hyperlink 308T is a link to a page that provides an index of transcriptsand other documents relevant to the litigation. “Fact Chronology”hyperlink 308U is a link to a page that provides a chronology of factsin the litigation. “Login Portal Page” hyperlink 308V is a link toclient portal page 202CC (shown in FIG. 5B). “Legal Research” hyperlink308W is a link to legal research information and legal researchservices, such as Lexis and Westlaw. “Memoranda and Notes” hyperlink308X is a link to attorney research memoranda and notes for thelitigation case. In one embodiment, the attorney research memoranda andnotes are only accessible by those with a proper security levelclearance (e.g., attorneys only). In one form of the invention, a“Clients Only” hyperlink 308 may be provided to allow a client to addnotes that are only accessible by the client and not the attorneys orsomeone from an outside law firm.

FIGS. 4B-1 through 4B-3 (collectively referred to as FIG. 4B) arediagrams of a second embodiment of a web page 202F′ illustrating anindex of correspondence received and authored pertaining to a specifiedlitigation matter. In one embodiment, correspondence web page 202F′ isdisplayed in response to a user selecting link 308E from one of webpages 202. Page identifier 306 indicates that the user is viewing“Correspondence” web page 202F′.

Correspondence web page 202F′ includes index number hyperlinks 730,index summary hyperlink 732, and four correspondence index tables 734.When a user selects one of index number hyperlinks 730, the user jumpsto a corresponding one of the index tables 734. Each correspondencetable 734 includes columns 736A-736C, and a plurality of entries 738.Column 736B includes a description of correspondence associated with aparticular litigation. In one embodiment, column 736B includeshyperlinks to electronic copies of correspondence identified therein.Column 736A identifies dates of the correspondence listed in column736B. Column 736C identifies authors of the correspondence listed incolumn 736B.

When a user selects “Index Summary” hyperlink 732, the user jumps tocorrespondence index summary 740. Correspondence index summary 740includes date ranges for the correspondence in each of thecorrespondence index tables 734.

FIGS. 4C-1 through 4C-2 (collectively referred to as FIG. 4C) arediagrams of a second embodiment of a web page 202G′ illustrating anindex of pleadings served, filed, authored, received or otherwisegenerated by any party. In one embodiment, pleadings index web page202G′ is displayed in response to a user selecting link 308F from one ofweb pages 202. Page identifier 306 indicates that the user is viewing“Pleading Index” web page 202G′.

Pleadings index web page 202G′ includes index number hyperlinks 750, andthree pleading index tables 752. When a user selects one of index numberhyperlinks 750, the user jumps to a corresponding one of the pleadingindex tables 752. Each pleading index table 752 includes columns754A-754D, and a plurality of entries 756. Column 754A includes apleading number for each entry 756. Column 754B includes a descriptionof each pleading. Column 754C includes a date for each pleading. Column754D identifies the party that generated a pleading, such as plaintiffs,defendants, and the court. In one embodiment, column 754B includeshyperlinks to electronic copies of the pleadings identified therein.

FIG. 4D is a diagram of one embodiment of a web page 202Y illustratingan index of initial pleadings. In one embodiment, initial pleadings webpage 202Y is displayed in response to a user selecting link 308Q fromone of web pages 202. Page identifier 306 indicates that the user isviewing “Initial Pleadings” web page 202Y.

Initial pleadings web page 202Y includes initial pleadings table 770.Initial pleadings table 770 includes columns 772A-772D, and a pluralityof entries 774. Column 772A includes a pleading index number for eachentry 774. Column 772B includes a description of each pleading. Column772C includes a date for each pleading. Column 772D identifies the partythat generated a pleading, such as plaintiffs, defendants, and thecourt. In one embodiment, column 772B includes hyperlinks to electroniccopies of the pleadings identified therein.

FIGS. 4E-1 through 4E-5 (collectively referred to as FIG. 4E) arediagrams of a second embodiment of a web page 202J′ illustrating anorganizational discovery page. In one embodiment, discovery web page202J′ is displayed in response to a user selecting link 308I from one ofweb pages 202. Page identifier 306 indicates that the user is viewing“Discovery” web page 202J′.

Discovery web page 202J′ includes plaintiffs' discovery hyperlinks 790,defendants' discovery hyperlinks 792, miscellaneous discovery hyperlinks794, Plaintiff's Interrogatories (with Responses) table 796, PlaintiffsRequests for Production of Documents and Things (with Responses) table802, Plaintiff's Requests for Admissions (with Responses) table 808,Defendant's Interrogatories (with Responses) table 814, Defendant'sRequests for Production of Documents and Things (with Responses) table820, Defendant's Requests for Admissions (with Responses) table 826,Plaintiff's Deposition Log table 832, Defendant's Deposition Log table838, Plaintiffs Disclosures table 844, Defendant's Disclosures table850, Protective Orders table 856, and Privilege Logs table 862.Selecting one of “Plaintiffs Discovery” hyperlinks 790 causes a jump toa corresponding one of the plaintiffs discovery tables 796, 802, 808,832, and 844. Selecting one of “Defendant's Discovery” hyperlinks 792causes a jump to a corresponding one of the defendant's discovery tables814, 820, 826, 838, and 850. Selecting miscellaneous discoveryhyperlinks 794 causes a jump to corresponding ones of discovery tables862, 832 and 838, 844 and 850, and 856.

Discovery tables 796, 802, 808, 814, 820, 826, 844, 850, 856, and 862,include columns 798A-798C, 804A-804C, 810A-810C, 816A-816C, 822A-822C,828A-828C, 846A-846C, 852A-852C, 858A-858C, and 864A-864C, respectively,and include a plurality of entries 800, 806, 812, 818, 824, 830, 848,854, 860, and 866, respectively. Columns 798B, 804B, 810B, 816B, 822B,828B, 846B, 852B, 858B, and 864B, include discovery documentdescriptions, and, in one embodiment, also include hyperlinks toelectronic copies of the described discovery documents. The discoverydocuments may be stored locally as image files or other file types, andaccessed through the hyperlinks. Columns 798A, 804A, 810A, 816A, 822A,828A, 846A, 852A, 858A, and 864A, include a pleading index number foreach discovery entry. Columns 798C, 804C, 810C, 816C, 822C, 828C, 846C,852C, 858C, and 864C, include a date for each discovery entry.

Deposition Log tables 832 and 838 include columns 834A-834D, and840A-840D, respectively, and a plurality of entries 836, and 842,respectively. Columns 834A and 840A include deponent names. Columns 834Band 840B include date/time information for depositions. Columns 834C and840C include location information for depositions. Columns 834D and 840Dinclude identifications of court reporters for depositions. In oneembodiment, depositions tables 832 and 838 include hyperlinks toelectronic copies of deposition transcripts, and/or hyperlinks to otherrelated information, including links to audio/video recordings ofdepositions.

FIGS. 4F-1 through 4F-3 (collectively referred to as FIG. 4F) arediagrams of one embodiment of a web page 202Z illustrating an index ofcompleted depositions. In one embodiment, index of depositions web page202Z is displayed in response to a user selecting link 308R from one ofweb pages 202. Page identifier 306 indicates that the user is viewing“Index of Depositions” web page 202Z.

Index of depositions web page 202Z includes Deponents Noticed byPlaintiff table 880 and Deponents Noticed by Defendant table 886. Tables880 and 886 include columns 882A-882J, and 888A-888J, respectively, andinclude a plurality of entries 884, and 890, respectively. Columns 882Aand 888A include deponent name information. Columns 882B and 888Binclude date information of when depositions were noticed. Columns 882Cand 888C include date information of when depositions were taken.Columns 882D and 888D include information identifying the location ofdepositions. Columns 882E and 888E include information identifying courtreporters for depositions, including name, address, and phone number.Columns 882F and 888F include information identifying whether depositiontranscripts have been received, and if so, the date of receipt, and, inone embodiment, also include hyperlinks to electronic copies of thetranscripts. Columns 882G and 888G include information identifyingwhether errata have been received, and if so, the date of receipt.Columns 882H and 888H include information identifying exhibit numbers ofexhibits used in depositions. Columns 882I and 888I include informationidentifying whether depositions have been designated as confidential.Columns 882J and 888J include status information on depositions, such asstarted, pending, completed, objected, and withdrawn.

FIGS. 4G-1 through 4G-2 (collectively referred to as FIG. 4G) arediagrams of one embodiment of a web page 202AA illustrating a site mapof web pages 202 used in an embodiment of the present invention. In oneembodiment, site map web page 202AA is displayed in response to a userselecting link 308S from one of web pages 202. Page identifier 306indicates that the user is viewing “Site Map” web page 202AA. Site mapweb page 202AA includes an example hierarchical arrangement 900 of webpages 202 (with corresponding hyperlinks 308).

FIGS. 4H-4P are diagrams illustrating example web pages 202 accessiblevia trial notebook web page 202M, which provide information filed/usedin preparation for trial.

FIGS. 4H-1 through 4H-2 (collectively referred to as FIG. 4H) arediagrams of one embodiment of a web page 202P illustrating an index oftrial briefs. In one embodiment, trial briefs web page 202P is displayedin response to a user selecting one of links 620A or 620B from trialnotebook web page 202M. Page identifier 306 indicates that the user isviewing “Trial Briefs” web page 202P. Trial briefs web page 202Pincludes trial briefs table 910. Trial briefs table 910 includes columns912A-912C, and a plurality of entries 914. Column 912A includes apleading index number for each entry 914. Column 912B includes adescription of each trial brief, and, in one embodiment, includeshyperlinks to electronic copies of the trial briefs. Column 912Cincludes a date for each trial brief.

FIGS. 4I-1 through 4I-2 (collectively referred to as FIG. 4I) arediagrams of one embodiment of a web page 202Q illustrating an index ofmotions in limine. In one embodiment, motions in limine web page 202Q isdisplayed in response to a user selecting one of links 620C or 620D fromtrial notebook web page 202M. Page identifier 306 indicates that theuser is viewing “Motions in Limine” web page 202Q.

Motions in limine web page 202Q includes hyperlinks 920, Plaintiff'sMotions in Limine table 922, and Defendant's Motions in Limine table928. Selecting one of hyperlinks 920 causes a jump to the top of thecorresponding Motions in Limine table 922 or 928. Motions in Liminetables 922 and 928 include columns 924A-924C, and 930A-930C,respectively, and a plurality of entries 926, and 932, respectively.Columns 924A and 930A include descriptions of motions in limine, and, inone embodiment, include hyperlinks to electronic copies of the describedmotions. Columns 924B and 930B include descriptions of papers filed bythe opposing party in response to motions in limine, and, in oneembodiment, include hyperlinks to electronic copies of the Responsepapers. Columns 924C and 930C include descriptions of papers filed inreply to response papers for motions in limine, and, in one embodiment,include hyperlinks to electronic copies of the Reply papers.

FIGS. 4J-1 through 4J-2 (collectively referred to as FIG. 4J) arediagrams of one embodiment of a web page 202R illustrating an index ofjury instructions. In one embodiment, jury instructions web page 202R isdisplayed in response to a user selecting one of links 620E or 620F fromtrial notebook web page 202M. Page identifier 306 indicates that theuser is viewing “Jury Instructions” web page 202R.

Jury instructions web page 202R includes hyperlinks 940, and juryinstructions tables 942 and 948. Selecting one of hyperlinks 940 causesa jump to the top of the corresponding jury instructions table 942 or948. Jury instructions tables 942 and 948 include columns 944A-944C, and950A-950C, respectively, and a plurality of entries 946, and 952,respectively. Columns 944A and 950A include a pleading index number foreach entry. Columns 944B and 950B include a description of each juryinstructions entry. Columns 944C and 950C include a date for each juryinstructions entry.

FIGS. 4K-1 through 4K-2 (collectively referred to as FIG. 4K) arediagrams of one embodiment of a web page 202S illustrating an index ofwitnesses. In one embodiment, witness list web page 202S is displayed inresponse to a user selecting one of links 620G or 620H from trialnotebook web page 202M. Page identifier 306 indicates that the user isviewing “Witness List” web page 202S.

Witness list web page 202S includes witness list tables 960 and 966.Witness list tables 960 and 966 include columns 962A-962C, and968A-968C, respectively, and a plurality of entries 964, and 970,respectively. Columns 962A and 968A include a pleading index number foreach entry. Columns 962B and 968B include a description of each witnesslist entry. Columns 962C and 968C include a date for each witness listentry.

FIGS. 4L-1 through 4L-2 (collectively referred to as FIG. 4L) arediagrams of one embodiment of a web page 202T illustrating an index ofexhibits. In one embodiment, exhibit list web page 202T is displayed inresponse to a user selecting one of links 620I or 620J from trialnotebook web page 202M. Page identifier 306 indicates that the user isviewing “Exhibit List” web page 202T.

Exhibit list web page 202T includes exhibit list tables 980 and 986.Exhibit list tables 980 and 986 include columns 982A-982C, and988A-988C, respectively, and a plurality of entries 984, and 990,respectively. Columns 982A and 988A include a pleading index number foreach entry. Columns 982B and 988B include a description of each exhibitlist entry. Columns 982C and 988C include a date for each exhibit listentry.

FIGS. 4M-1 through 4M-2 (collectively referred to as FIG. 4M) arediagrams of one embodiment of a web page 202U illustrating an index ofdeposition designations of testimony. In one embodiment, depositiondesignations of testimony web page 202U is displayed in response to auser selecting one of links 620K or 620L from trial notebook web page202M. Page identifier 306 indicates that the user is viewing “DepositionDesignation of Testimony” web page 202U.

Deposition designation of testimony web page 202U includes depositiondesignations tables 1000 and 1006. Deposition designations tables 1000and 1006 include columns 1002A-1002C, and 1008A-1008C, respectively, anda plurality of entries 1004, and 1010, respectively. Columns 1002A and1008A include a pleading index number for each entry. Columns 1002B and1008B include a description of each deposition designations entry.Columns 1002C and 1008C include a date for each deposition designationsentry.

FIGS. 4N-1 through 4N-2 (collectively referred to as FIG. 4N) arediagrams of one embodiment of a web page 202V illustrating an index ofoffers of settlement. In one embodiment, offers of settlement web page202V is displayed in response to a user selecting link 620N from trialnotebook web page 202M. Page identifier 306 indicates that the user isviewing “Offers of Settlement” web page 202V.

Offers of settlement web page 202V includes offers of settlement table1020. Offers of settlement table 1020 includes columns 1022A-1022C, anda plurality of entries 1024. Column 1022A includes a pleading indexnumber for each entry. Column 1022B includes a description of eachoffers of settlement entry. Column 1022C includes a date for each offersof settlement entry.

FIGS. 4O-1 through 4O-2 (collectively referred to as FIG. 4O) arediagrams of one embodiment of a web page 202W illustrating an index ofspecial verdict forms. In one embodiment, special verdict forms web page202W is displayed in response to a user selecting link 620O from trialnotebook web page 202M. Page identifier 306 indicates that the user isviewing “Special Verdict Forms” web page 202W.

Special verdict forms web page 202W includes special verdict forms table1030. Special verdict forms table 1030 includes columns 1032A-1032C, anda plurality of entries 1034. Column 1032A includes a pleading indexnumber for each entry. Column 1032B includes a description of eachspecial verdict forms entry. Column 1032C includes a date for eachspecial verdict forms entry.

FIGS. 4P-1 through 4P-2 (collectively referred to as FIG. 4P) arediagrams of one embodiment of a web page 202X illustrating an index ofVoir Dire questions. In one embodiment, Voir Dire questions web page202X is displayed in response to a user selecting link 620P from trialnotebook web page 202M. Page identifier 306 indicates that the user isviewing “Voir Dire Questions” web page 202X.

Voir Dire questions web page 202X includes Voir Dire questions table1040. Voir Dire questions table 1040 includes columns 1042A-1042C, and aplurality of entries 1044. Column 1042A includes a pleading index numberfor each entry. Column 1042B includes a description of each Voir Direquestions entry. Column 1042C includes a date for each Voir Direquestions entry.

FIG. 5A is a diagram of one embodiment of a client login web page 202BB.Client login web page 202BB provides an entry point to litigationmanagement system 200 for clients of a law firm. Client login web page202BB includes client name input block 1050, client password input block1052, and an “Enter” hyperlink 1054. A client enters a client name ininput block 1050, enters an appropriate password in input block 1052,and presses “Enter” hyperlink 1054 to gain access to litigationmanagement system 200. In one embodiment, client access to litigationmanagement system 200 is provided via a secure Internet connection. Inone embodiment, a similar login page is provided for attorneys,paralegals, or other appropriate individuals for gaining access tolitigation management system 200.

After a client has logged into litigation management system 200 vialogin web page 202BB, client portal web page 202CC, shown in FIG. 5B, isdisplayed. Client portal web page 202CC includes client identifier 1060,“Active Litigation” hyperlink 1062, “Competitors” hyperlink 1064,“Prosecution” hyperlink 1066, and “Archive Litigation” hyperlink 1068.Selection of active litigation hyperlink 1062 results in the display ofweb page 202DD (shown in FIG. 5C), which includes a list 1070 of activelitigation cases for the logged-in client. Selection of competitorshyperlink 1064 results in the display of a web page containinginformation on competitors of the logged-in client, including, in oneembodiment, hyperlinks to the competitors' home pages and web clippingsassociated with competitors. Selection of prosecution hyperlink 1066results in the display of information regarding the logged-in client'spending and issued intellectual property applications, such as patentapplications and trademark applications. In one embodiment, thedisplayed intellectual property information includes status reports,data entry fields, references cited, file histories, and other relatedinformation. Selection of archive litigation hyperlink 1068 results inthe display of a web page that includes a list of inactive litigationcases (similar to list 1070 of active litigation cases) for thelogged-in client.

Each one of the active litigation cases 1070 listed on web page 202DD isa hyperlink. Selection of one of the cases 1070 results in the displayof a home page for the case, such as home page 202A or 202A′. The clientmay then access litigation information regarding the selected case fromthe displayed home page 202A or 202A′. In one embodiment, the home page202A or 202A′ displayed to a client and the litigation informationaccessible by a client is different than the home page displayed toattorneys for the case and the litigation information accessible by theattorneys. Web page 202DD also includes “Home” hyperlink 1072 to returnto client portal page 202CC.

It will be understood that the present invention is not limited to thespecific litigation information shown in the various figures anddescribed herein, but encompasses other types of litigation informationas well. It will also be understood that not all litigation informationshown and described herein will be needed for every type of litigation.As one example, not every litigation will be a patent litigation, so apatents web page 202I may not be needed in some implementations.

A key feature of one embodiment of the present invention is theorganization and logical relationships provided by user interface 202.Litigation information is organized into various logical relationships,including by category and by date, with overlapping categories orsubcategories, which allows a user to quickly locate and view aparticular litigation document. For example, in one form of the presentinvention, pleadings web page 202G lists all forms of pleadingsinformation, whereas certain other web pages 202, such as discovery webpage 202J, orders web page 202L, and motions web page 202N only list asubset of the pleadings information. Thus, if a user wants to locate aparticular court order, for example, the user need not sort through allof the pleadings to locate the order, but can go directly to orders webpage 202L to quickly locate and view an electronic copy of the order.

In one embodiment, web pages 202 are continually updated as additionallitigation information for a case is accumulated (e.g., additionalcorrespondence, pleadings, etc.). In one form of the invention,documents are scanned and electronic copies are stored in a database foraccess via appropriate web pages 202. Identifying information fordocuments (e.g., case, dates, senders, recipients, addresses, etc.) isextracted from the electronic copies using optical characterrecognition, and the identifying information is stored along with theelectronic copies. When a new document has been added to the system, analert (e.g., an email alert) is sent to appropriate individuals tonotify them of the new document and to request that appropriate webpages 202 be updated. In one embodiment, scripting is used (e.g., viaContent Publisher, or some other web publishing software) to updatepages.

In one form of the invention, when web pages 202 are updated,appropriate individuals (e.g., one or more attorneys and/or paralegalsworking on the case) are notified by email of the changes. In oneembodiment, individual users of litigation management system 200 cansubscribe to updates of certain web pages 202, and be notified whenchanges to these particular web pages 202 occur. For example, a user maywant to be notified each time a new Court Order is added to the system200, but may not want to be notified of the addition of every newcorrespondence.

One form of litigation management system 200 includes a scanning logfeature that automatically increments a counter when a new page is addedto the system 200. Litigation management system 200 can alsoautomatically calculate the total number of pages in the system 200. Aninvoice may be generated based on the counter value, the calculatedtotal number of pages, or the change in the calculated total number ofpages from a previously calculated total number of pages.

The present invention may be implemented as a computer process, acomputing system or as an article of manufacture such as a computerprogram product or computer readable media. The computer program productmay be a computer storage media readable by a computer system andencoding a computer program of instructions for executing a computerprocess. The computer program product may also be a propagated signal ona carrier readable by a computing system and encoding a computer programof instructions for executing a computer process.

In one embodiment, the logical operations of the present invention areimplemented (1) as a sequence of computer implemented acts or programmodules running on a computing system and/or (2) as interconnectedmachine logic circuits or circuit modules within the computing system.The implementation is a matter of choice dependent on the performancerequirements of the computing system implementing the invention.Accordingly, the logical operations making up the embodiments of thepresent invention described herein are referred to variously asoperations, structural devices, acts or modules. It will be recognizedby one skilled in the art that these operations, structural devices,acts and modules may be implemented in software, in firmware, in specialpurpose digital logic, and any combination thereof without deviatingfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention as recited within theclaims attached hereto.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described hereinfor purposes of description of the preferred embodiment, it will beappreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety ofalternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for thespecific embodiments shown and described without departing from thescope of the present invention. Those with skill in the chemical,mechanical, electro-mechanical, electrical, and computer arts willreadily appreciate that the present invention may be implemented in avery wide variety of embodiments. This application is intended to coverany adaptations or variations of the preferred embodiments discussedherein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention belimited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

1. A computer-based user interface for accessing information, the userinterface comprising: a home page including a first plurality ofuser-selectable hyperlinks, each hyperlink in the first plurality ofhyperlinks identifying a category of information, the hyperlinks therebyidentifying categories of information, wherein the home page isconfigured to be displayed by a display device; a plurality of webpages, each web page associated with one of the hyperlinks in the firstplurality of hyperlinks, each web page providing information related tothe category identified by the hyperlink associated with the web page,each web page displayed by the display device in response to selectionof the hyperlink associated with the web page; and wherein thecategories of information include at least one of pleadings information,discovery information, court orders, and motions.
 2. (canceled)
 3. Thecomputer-based user interface of claim 1, wherein one of the categoriesidentified by the hyperlinks is docket information, and wherein the webpage associated with the hyperlink for docket information includes aplurality of docket entries, each docket entry including a descriptionof a litigation action and a due date for the action.
 4. Thecomputer-based user interface of claim 3, wherein the web pageassociated with the hyperlink for docket information includes hyperlinksto electronic copies of litigation documents associated with docketentries.
 5. The computer-based user interface of claim 1, wherein one ofthe categories identified by the hyperlinks is correspondenceinformation, and wherein the web page associated with the hyperlink forcorrespondence information includes a plurality of correspondenceentries, each correspondence entry including a description of acorrespondence and a date of the correspondence.
 6. The computer-baseduser interface of claim 5, wherein the web page associated with thehyperlink for correspondence information includes hyperlinks toelectronic copies of correspondence.
 7. The computer-based userinterface of claim 1, wherein one of the categories identified by thehyperlinks is pleadings information, and wherein the web page associatedwith the hyperlink for pleadings information includes a plurality ofpleadings entries, each pleadings entry including a description of apleading.
 8. The computer-based user interface of claim 7, wherein eachpleadings entry further includes a pleadings number, a date, and asource identifier identifying a source of the described pleading.
 9. Thecomputer-based user interface of claim 8, wherein the web pageassociated with the hyperlink for pleadings information includeshyperlinks to electronic copies of pleadings documents.
 10. (canceled)11. The computer-based user interface of claim 1, wherein one of thecategories identified by the hyperlinks is patent information, andwherein the web page associated with the hyperlink for patentinformation includes information regarding at least one patent.
 12. Thecomputer-based user interface of claim 11, wherein the web pageassociated with the hyperlink for patent information includes ahyperlink to an electronic copy of the at least one patent.
 13. Thecomputer-based user interface of claim 11, wherein the web pageassociated with the hyperlink for patent information includes ahyperlink to an electronic copy of a file history of the at least onepatent. 14-20. (canceled)
 21. The computer-based user interface of claim1, wherein one of the categories identified by the hyperlinks is courtorders, and wherein the web page associated with the hyperlink for courtorders includes a plurality of court order entries, each court orderentry including a description of a court order.
 22. The computer-baseduser interface of claim 21, wherein the court order entries furtherinclude pleadings numbers and dates associated with the court orders.23. The computer-based user interface of claim 22, wherein the web pageassociated with the hyperlink for court orders includes hyperlinks toelectronic copies of court orders. 24-26. (canceled)
 27. Thecomputer-based user interface of claim 1, wherein one of the categoriesidentified by the hyperlinks is motions, and wherein the web pageassociated with the hyperlink for motions includes a plurality ofdescriptions of motions and a plurality of hyperlinks to electroniccopies of described motions. 28-61. (canceled)
 62. A method of managinglitigation information for at least one lawsuit, the method comprising:storing litigation information for the at least one lawsuit on acomputer network; storing user interface data on the computer network;generating and displaying a user interface based on the stored userinterface data, the user interface including a litigation case selectionpage, the litigation case selection page including a plurality of links,each link on the litigation case selection page corresponding to atleast one lawsuit, a plurality of litigation case home pages, eachlitigation case home page corresponding to one of the links on thelitigation case selection page and providing a plurality of links to thelitigation information, each of the plurality of links corresponding toone category of a plurality of categories of litigation information, atleast one of the categories of litigation information being asubcategory of at least one of the other categories of litigationinformation; receiving selection data provided by a user, the selectiondata identifying a first link in the plurality of links; and displayinglitigation information related to the category corresponding to thefirst link. 63-79. (canceled)
 80. A method of accessing information, themethod comprising: displaying a home page including a first plurality ofuser-selectable hyperlinks, the hyperlinks in the first pluralityidentifying a plurality of categories of information, wherein thecategories of information include patent information, correspondenceinformation, and docket information; selecting a first one of theplurality of hyperlinks; and displaying a web page associated with thefirst one of the hyperlinks, the web page providing information relatedto a category identified by the first one of the hyperlinks. 81-83.(canceled)
 84. The computer-based user interface of claim 1, wherein oneof the categories identified by the hyperlinks is competitors, andwherein the web page associated with the hyperlink for competitorsincludes information about an entity's competitors.
 85. The method ofclaim 80, wherein the web page associated with the hyperlink for patentinformation includes information regarding at least one patent, and ahyperlink to an electronic copy of the at least one patent.
 86. Themethod of claim 85, wherein the web page associated with the hyperlinkfor patent information includes a hyperlink to an electronic copy of afile history of the at least one patent.